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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wary of Swansea forward Michu's threat

Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to the performances of Swansea City, singling out praise for their Spanish striker Michu

Last Updated: 02/02/13 2:38pm

Sam Allardyce: Michu is the signing of season

The Welsh club travel to Upton Park on Saturday when West Ham will hope to end a dreadful run of just one league victory in nine games.

Swansea are eighth in the table, seven points and five places higher up the Premier League standings than the Hammers.

And West Ham boss Allardyce has pinpointed the reason why he believes Swansea are doing so well in their second season in the top division.

He said: "They don't concede many so when they score, they win, and they have been outstanding in and out of possession.

"Michael Laudrup (manager) has carried on a well-planned strategy and structure at Swansea City. He has exceeded expectations.

"No doubt Michu is the signing of the season for me. He is the reason why they are where they are in the league."

As for his own side's preparations for the match, Allardyce said of his club's recent frustrating spell: "Lots of teams have had spells like us without enough wins and we know we've got to put it right as quickly as possible.

"Because we've not kept a clean sheet since West Brom away, we have not picked up the wins we wanted.

"Our home performances have been very, very good and the QPR game was a complete annihilation without a win at the end of it."